Uterine Fibroids

By: Tsou Jinyeu

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Fibroids are very common these days. Uterine fibroid is the most common type of fibroid seen in females of middle and later reproductive age. Uterine fibroid tumors are the non cancerous tumor that originates from the smooth muscle layer. It is usually seen in myometrium and the accompanying connective tissues of the uterus. Most fibroids are asymptomatic; they cause heavy and painful menstruational bleeding.  Uterine fibroids are the major indication of hysterectomy. If there are many fibroids and the uterus contains many leiomyomatas, it is called as uterine leiomyomatosis. The malignant version of fibroid is called as leiomyosarcoma. Uterine fibroid pictures are available on various sites and you can take a look at them.

Many women are diagnosed with leiomyomas. Estrogen receptors present on the fibroids cause estrogen stimulation during reproductive years. These shrink after menopause. Leiomyomas are most common in overweight women as there is increased estrogen from the adipose aromatase activity.

Appearance of a typical fibroid

Fibroid appear as round, solid nodule and show whorled appearance on the histological section. The size may vary from microscopic to very large that can be felt by the patient.

When the fibroid is microscopic cells appears as normal elongated cell and form a bundle with different direction, hence the whorled appearance.

Causes of uterine fibroid

The actual cause of uterine fibroid is unknown

Estrogen is known to stimulates fibroids

Progesterone and progestins are also responsible for fibroidsMalignant cancerous growth may cause uterine fibroid

Overweight women more prone to fibroids as there is increased estrogen from the adipose aromatase activity

General information about fibroid

1. Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors
2. Usually women in their child bearing age or those with menopause are affected by fibroids
3. The fibroid will continue to grow as long as the women is menstruating
4. Fibroid may be microscopic or very large and can be felt from outside
5. There may be one fibroid filling the entire uterus or many fibroids
6. Sometimes a fibroid may hang from a long stalk attached outside the uterus and is called pedunculated fibroid

Uterine fibroid symptoms

1. Usually there are no direct symptoms related to uterine fibroids
2. Prolonged bleeding or heavy bleeding between periods
3. Feeling of abdominal fullness
4. Increased urination
5. Very heavy menstrual bleeding and passage of clots
6. Pelvic cramps
7. Pressure in lower abdomen
8. Severe and sudden pain due to pedunculated fibroid

Diagnosis

Your doctor may observe an abnormal, irregular, enlarged or lumpy uterus. This diagnosis is very reliable. In case of obese women, this does not work and may require x ray or transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound. An endometrial biopsy or pelvic laparoscopy may be needed to rule out the possibility of cancel.

Uterine fibroid treatment

The treatment of uterine fibroid depends on a number of factors.

1. Age
2. General health conditions
3. Severity of symptoms
4. Type of fibroid
5. Status of pregnancy

Actual uterine fibroid treatment includes:

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) to control heavy blood loss during periods

Iron supplements to prevent anemia due to loss of blood during heavy period

Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs for cramps and pain

Hormonal therapy to shrink fibroids

Surgical procedures like hysteroscopy, uterine embolization, myomectomy

This article on uterine fibroids informs you about Uterine fibroids, uterine fibroid symptoms, uterine fibroid treatment, uterine fibroid tumors, uterine fibroid, uterine fibroid pictures. You can use this information in case you have doubts about uterine fibroids.

 

About the Author

Dr. Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health 

 

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